Comparison: Best Microwave Nyt (Updated | Dec 8th)
Looking for the best microwave but overwhelmed by choices? You’re not alone—and luckily, The New York Times’ Wirecutter team has done the heavy lifting. We dove into their top picks to help you cut through the noise and find the perfect fit for your kitchen. Whether you’re reheating leftovers or whipping up quick meals, the right microwave makes all the difference.
- Best for digital power: BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
- Best for inverter heating: TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology
- Best for large family: Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
- Best for compact power: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for quiet eco: COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
- Best for powerful sensor: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for memory turntable: TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and 13.6″ Removable Position Memory Turntable
- Best for compact versatile: Farberware 1.3 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power
- Best for retro charm: Nostalgia Retro 1000W Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu Ft Capacity – Child Safety Lock
- Best for space saving: BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu Ft
Product Comparison: Best Microwave Nyt
BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 1000W, 1.1cu.ft, Black & Stainless Steel, 1.1 Cu.ft
- Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate.Frequency : 60 Hz
- 1000 Watts Output with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 seconds express cooking, Input power: 1600W
- Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child safety lock, interior light, removable 12.4” glass turntable
- Push-button door release for easy access
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 20.6” x 16.5” x 11.8”; Color of door frame is stainless steel, enclosure is black
TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, Kitchen Essentials, Smart Sensor, Auto Defrost, 1.6 Cu.ft, 13.6″ Removable Turntable, 33lb.&1250W, Black Stainless Steel
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, plesase open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
- Specification: With output power 1250 watts, input power 1350 watts. External dimensions 21.8x 19.2x 12.9 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 15.5×17.0x 10.2 inches (WxDxH); includes 13.6 inch glass turntable
- Origin Inverter Technology: This microwave oven with inverter technology, provides even heating and defrosting, enables faster cooking and more satisfying user experience.
- 6 Smart Sensor Auto Menus: Pre-programmed sensor menus for optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potato, vegetables and more. Smart sensor will automatically adjust power and keeps food texture.
- Sound On/Off Function: If you wish to mute the buzzer of the microwave, pleas long press on the button “8” for 3-5 seconds. The buzzer is automatically switched off after a long beep.
- Quick Start Button One touch quick access to start the countertop microwave from 1 to 3 minutes cooking at full power
- First Use Tips The microwaves keypad is covered by a protective film during shipment. Please peel it off before first use. 1 year limited warranty, please keep the packaging for contacting Toshiba after sales service and product returns.
Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor, 6 Menus, Auto Defrost, ECO Mode, Mute Option & 16.5″ Position Memory Turntable, 2.2 Cu Ft, 1200W, Stainless Steel
- 【Large Capacity】2.2 Cu. Ft. capacity countertop microwave with 1200W power is perfect for large families. It can easily accommodate a 16-inch pizza and a whole chicken.
- 【Intuitive Humidity Sensor】The built-in humidity sensor with 6 Automatic Preset Menus gives your food an even heating result and seals the moisture inside for optimal results.
- 【6 Auto Menus】Equipped with 6 menus that fits your most daily needs including: bacon, frozen roll/muffin-reheat, beverage, chicken pieces and oatmeal.
- 【Auto-Defrost Function】 The Auto-Defrost Function defrosts meat, poultry and fish with different programs, simulating a natural defrost environment and achieving optimal defrosting results.
- 【Easy to Use】Kitchen essential with One pound/ auto defrost, energy-saving eco mode and sound on/off function, speedy cooking, memory function, multi-stage cooking, child safety lock, indoor light, clock and kitchen time.
GE Countertop Microwave Oven, Compact 1.1 Cubic Ft., 950-watt Capacity, 6 Auto Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for the Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, Stainless Steel
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This mandatory feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, with the option to deactivate it if not needed.
- SPACE-SAVING EXTERIOR, SPACIOUS INTERIOR: 950 watts of power and 1.1 cu. ft. inside allow for effective, efficient cooking while not taking up valuable kitchen space; glass turntable rotates throughout cycles for optimum cooking
- CONVENIENT CONTROLS: Simple, one-touch operation with convenience cooking controls; kitchen timer, child lock controls and cooking complete alarms add convenience
- WEIGHT & TIME DEFROST – Simply enter the weight of the food, and the oven automatically sets the optimal defrosting time and power level or set your desired time for defrosting
- EASY SET UP: Freestanding microwave fits easily on countertop or open shelf, with 39inch power cord
COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7 Cu Ft/700W, Pearl White
- Two-Step Child Lock Feature: For extra protection and to prevent misuse, all microwave oven manufacturers are asked to follow new safety standard and add a 2-step child lock function
- Mute Function: Turn off all the microwave beeps by pressing the sound on/off button for 3 seconds, which will bring you quieter cooking time
- Easy one-touch express cooking function with 1-6 minutes and +30 seconds functions, and two defrost settings (by weight or by time). With easy auto-cook functions: Popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggie, beverage, reheat
- Energy saving Eco mode: Minimize 50% standby power by turning on ECO mode
- Included components: 1 microwave oven, 1 manual instruction book.
GE Countertop Microwave Oven, 1,200-watt Capacity, 2.0 Cubic Ft., 8 Auto Setting Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for the Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, Stainless Steel
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This mandatory feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, with the option to deactivate it if not needed.
- COMPACT YET POWERFUL: 1200watts of power and 2.0 CU. FT. inside allow for effective, efficient cooking while not taking up valuable kitchen space; glass turntable rotates for optimum cooking
- SENSOR COOKING CONTROLS: Automatically adjusts time and power for delicious cooking results
- WEIGHT AND TIME DEFROST: Simply enter the weight of the food, and the oven automatically sets the optimal defrosting time and power level or set your desired time for defrosting
- CONVENIENT CONTROLS: Simple, one-touch operation with Instant On express cooking controls and multiple cooking modes; kitchen timer, and cooking complete alarms add convenience
TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and 13.6″ Removable Position Memory Turntable, Sound On/Off Function, 1200W, 1.6 Cu.ft, Black Stainless Steel
- 【Better texture with sensor menus 】This 1200-watt high power countertop microwave with 10 power levels includes a pre-programmed sensor menu for optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potato, vegetable and more
- 【Large Capacity for a Family Size】1.6 cu. ft. capacity ; 13.6″ turntable; fitting a 13inch pizza; with one touch popcorn button as kitchen essential
- 【Position Memory Turntable】 Innovative position-memory technique resets the turntable to the initial position for more convenient and safer use
- 【Convenience Features】Auto defrost, fast cooking, memory function, multi-stage cooking, child safety lock, clock and kitchen timer
- 【Sound On/Off Function】If you wish to mute the buzzer of the microwave, please long press on the button “8” for 3-5 seconds; The buzzer is automatically switched off after a long beep.
- 【Stylish Design for Kitchen】Stylish black stainless-steel finish adds the perfect look in every kitchen
- 【Product Specs】External dimension (WxDxH): 21.77″x17.91″x12.87″, internal dimension (WxDxH): 15.51″x17.05″x10.24″,13.6″position memory turntable
- 【First Use Tips】The keypad is covered by a protective film during shipment; Please peel it off before first use.
Farberware 1.3 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless
- CONVENIENT MICROWAVE: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave. It packs 1000 of output power and features a range of settings for press-and-go speed.
- POWERFUL SETTINGS: This microwave has ten power levels with multi-stage cooking. You can fully customize your cooking with six one-touch options, including popcorn, potato, and pizza. Defrost by weight or by time settings to make quick work of any task.
- PERFECT SIZE: Measuring 1.3 cu ft, this microwave is the ideal small-space solution that offers full-sized cooking in a compact space. It features an easy-to-clean interior and exterior and is perfect for the home or office.
- ALL YOU NEED: This microwave has a clear LED display with a kitchen timer and clock that lets you easily keep track of time. Easy-to-view interior lighting lets you keep an eye on your dish, and a child safety lock adds additional security.
- FARBERWARE: From weeknight favorites to family feasts they’ll never forget, Farberware helps today’s families craft the meals that make memories and bring everyone together.
Nostalgia Retro 1000W Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu Ft Capacity – Child Safety Lock, 8 Auto-Cook Settings – Countertop Kitchen Appliance – White
- POWERFUL 1000-WATT OVEN: This microwave packs a powerful punch with its 1000-watt oven, ensuring your meals are ready in no time.
- 1.1 CU FT CAPACITY: With a compact 1.1 cu. ft. capacity, you can easily fit a variety of dishes for reheating, cooking, or defrosting.
- ROTATING GLASS CAROUSEL: The rotating glass carousel ensures that your food is evenly heated, guaranteeing a delicious, consistent result every time.
- 8 AUTO COOK PROGRAMS & EXPRESS COOKING: Select an auto cook program covering 8 food types. The express cooking feature lets you whip up your meal in a flash.
- REHEAT & DEFROST PROGRAMS: Choose to quickly reheat a dish or defrost frozen food by weight or time for all your cooking needs.
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu Ft, 6 Auto Menus, Child Lock, Memory Function, 10 Power Levels, Easy One-Touch Start, Digital Panel, 900W
- 6 PRE-PROGRAMMED AUTO MENUS: popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages and dinner plates. Perfectly cook your favorite foods, saving your time while ensuring delicious results every time
- 10 ADJUSTABLE POWER SETTINGS: Experience the ultimate versatility in your kitchen with 10 adjustable power settings that cater to all your culinary needs. Whether you’re defrosting, reheating or cooking, these customizable power levels can always meet your need. Microwave rated voltage: 120V-60Hz
- ONE TOUCH START: With just a single press, you can effortlessly begin cooking or reheating your favorite meals. No more complicated settings – this feature simplifies your kitchen routine, saving you valuable time and effort. Ideal for busy families and individuals
- USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN: enjoy enhanced safety and convenience with our microwave’s child safety lock, a kitchen timer and a memory function for quick recalls of your favorite settings
- SPACIOUS 0.9 Cubic Feet CAPACITY: this microwave offers ample cooking space without occupying too much countertop area, can easily fits a 10-inch pizza on the removable turntable, ideal for small kitchens or dorm rooms. Dimensions (H*W*D): 10.7”*18.6”*13.2”
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This mandatory safety feature safeguards against unintended child use through a quick two-step process, providing great assurance to parents. CAN BE EASILY DEACTIVATED BY FOLLOWING PROVIDED INSTRUCTIONS IF NOT NEEDED
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What wattage should I look for in a countertop microwave?
Higher wattage (1,200 W – 1,250 W) cooks food faster and provides more even heating, which is useful for families or larger meals. Models like the Toshiba ML‑EM45PIT and GE 1,200‑watt units fall in this range. If you mainly reheat or prepare simple dishes, a 950 W‑1,000 W microwave such as the GE 950‑watt or Black+Decker 1,000 W models will be sufficient and often cheaper.
How important is interior capacity when choosing a microwave?
Capacity determines what size dishes you can fit; a 2.0 cu ft. unit can accommodate a 16‑inch pizza or a whole chicken, while a 0.9‑1.1 cu ft. model fits smaller plates and is better for tight countertops. The Toshiba ML‑EM62P (2.2 cu ft.) and GE 2.0 cu ft. models are ideal for larger families, whereas the Black+Decker 0.9 cu ft. and Nostalgia Retro 1.1 cu ft. are suited for studios or dorms.
Do sensor cooking features justify a higher price?
Sensor cooking automatically adjusts time and power based on humidity, delivering more consistent results for foods like pizza, potatoes, and vegetables. Models with inverter or smart sensor technology—such as the Toshiba ML‑EM45PIT and Toshiba ML‑EM62P—often cost a bit more but can reduce guesswork and prevent over‑cooking. If you value convenience and precise cooking, the extra cost is usually worth it.
Which microwaves offer the best child‑safety options?
All the listed models include a two‑step child lock, but the implementation varies. Toshiba, GE, and COMFEE’ explicitly label the feature as mandatory and easy to activate/deactivate, while Black+Decker and Farberware also provide child safety locks combined with other safety features like interior lights. Choose a model where the lock is clearly indicated on the control panel for quick verification.
How do energy‑saving modes affect performance?
Eco or standby‑power reduction modes lower the microwave’s power draw when not in use, cutting electricity consumption by up to 50 % without impacting cooking ability. COMFEE’ and Black+Decker include ECO or energy‑saving settings that are simple to toggle. These features are beneficial for environmentally conscious shoppers and can slightly reduce your utility bill over time.
What should I consider regarding size and countertop space?
Measure the width, depth, and height of your countertop and compare them to the microwave’s dimensions; most models range from about 18‑22 inches wide. Compact options like the GE 1.1 cu ft. (39‑inch cord) or Black+Decker 0.9 cu ft. fit well in small kitchens, while larger units like the Toshiba 2.2 cu ft. require more clearance but provide greater cooking volume. Ensure there’s enough room for ventilation behind the unit.
Is it worth paying more for extra preset menus and express cooking functions?
Preset menus and one‑touch express cooking streamline routine tasks such as popcorn, pizza, or defrosting, saving time and reducing the learning curve. Higher‑priced models like the Toshiba ML‑EM62P and GE 1,200‑watt microwave include six to eight auto‑cook programs, while budget models typically offer three to five. If you frequently use these specific settings, the convenience can outweigh the price difference.